What Was Evel Knievel Tragedy

758 Words2 Pages

Evel Knievel was supposedly the, “Best American Daredevil” who defied gravity as he rode his motorcycle into the heights of International fame with increasingly challenging and thrilling jumps. His popularity transcended the world of stunts during the early 1970’s. His death defying acts attracted thousands of thrill seekers and millions more watched on television. Coming from humble beginnings, Evel Knievel proved that you could be whatever you wanted to be as he shocked the world with his exhilarating stunts and fearless attitude.
Evel Knievel did not, as you would say, come from the best childhood. He was born in the tiny little copper mining town of Butte, Montana. His first introduction to being a daredevil started when he saw, “Joey Chitwoods Auto Daredevil Show” which was later credited for Evel Knievels career choice. After his father abandoned him and his mother, his mother found it hard to make ends meet. His mother soon found that she was unable to care for Evel Knievel and put him in the care of his grandparents. His grandparent claimed that even at his young age he was a “little” daredevil. He first started his career of stunts by doing tricks on his bicycle for the neighborhood children. Then, for his thirteenth birthday, Evel Knievel got his first motorcycle. This was his most favorite present, but sadly it didn’t last very long. He crashed it into their neighbor’s garage while showing off again and nearly caught their whole house on fire when the gas tank of the motorcycle ignited and exploded. For much of Evel Knievels teenage life, he landed himself in jail very many times for things like robbery, breaking into houses, and stealing small things like motorcycles. Then, on one particular “job” he decided that th...

... middle of paper ...

...a hospital. Today, many people miss his spectacles such as riding fast motorcycles up steep approach ramps and leaping through the air over as many as fourteen greyhound busses before landing safely on a descent ramp as far as 150 feet away, but it was some of his defeats that made him most famous, such as slamming into the pavement in front of Caesars Palace or falling into an Idaho river canyon in an attempt to jump it on his “skycycle.” (K and K Promotions)
In many ways, this American icon showed that you can do anything, but sometimes it comes at your own risk. He became a friend and entertainer of the American people. He was enjoyed for his successes and his failures. Evel Knievel showed that you can be whatever you want to be.

More about What Was Evel Knievel Tragedy

Open Document